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SERMON 


. GL<*')l 

E* 

V 


rnBACHSD  ix 


THE  TABERNACLE  CHURCH,  SALEM,  NOV.  5,  1818, 


AT  THE 


ORDINATION 


REV.  MESSRS.  PLINY  FISK,  LEVI  SPAULDING,  MIRON  WINSLOW, 
AND  HENRY  WOODWARD, 


11* 


Missionaries 


TO  THE  UNEVANGELIZED  NATIONS. 


BY  MOSES  STUART, 

Associate  Professor  of  iiac.  Literature  in  the  Theol.  Seminary, 
Andover. 


ANDOVER ; 

PRINTED  BY  FLAGG  AND  GOULD. 

1818. 


u Jf 

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3^  ^ 4? 


A 


SERMON 


^REACHED  Iff 


THE  TABERNACLE  CHURCH,  SALEM,  NOV.  5,  181  ^ 


AT  THE 


ORDINATION 

OF  THE 


RF.V.  MESSRS.  PLINY  FISK,  LF.VI  SPAULDING,  MIPON  WINSLOW, 
AND  HENRY  WOODWARD, 


AS 

Missionaries 

TO  THE  UNEVANGELIZED  NATIONS. 


BY  MOSES  STUART, 

Associate  Professor  of  Sac.  Literature  in  the  Theol.  Seminary , 
Andover. 


ANDOVER : 

PRINTED  BY  FLAGG  AND  GOULD. 

1818. 


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; 


SERMON. 


GAL.  vi.  9,  10. 

LET  US  NOT  BE  WEARY  IN  WELL  DOING;  FOR  IN  DUE  TIME  WE 
SHALL  REAP,  IF  WE  FAINT  NOT.  AS  WE  HAVE,  THEREFORE, 
OPPORTUNITY,  LET  US  DO  GOOD  UNTO  ALL  MEN. 

Such  was  the  exhortation  of  the  great  apostle  of 
the  Gentiles  to  the  Galatian  church,  which  had  been 
planted  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  his  missionary 
labours.  Our  text  has  respect  to  the  general  course  of 
self  denial  and  spiritual  demeanour,  which  Christians 
are  bound  to  follow  ; and  also,  as  appears  by  the  latter 
part  of  it,  to  the  efforts  of  beneficence  which  the  disci- 
ples of  Jesus  are  requested  to  make,  in  order  to  promote 
the  happiness  of  their  fellow  creatures.  Be  not  weary, 
says  the  apostle,  either  in  your  efforts  to  subdue  your 
base  and  carnal  affections,  and  to  live  in  a spiritual 
manner  ; or  to  promote  the  welfare  of  all  men,  so  far 
as  Providence  may  put  it  in  your  power. 

It  is  the  latter  part  of  this  exhortation,  which  has 
a special  reference  to  the  occasion  on  which  we  are 
assembled,  and  the  objects  in  which  the  Society  are 
engaged,  who  have  tiiis  day  invited  you  to  the  solemni- 
ties which  are  before  us. 


4 


The  gospel  of  God,  my  friends,  originated  from  the 
pure  benevolence  of  him,  whose  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  the  works  of  his  hands.  That  benevolence 
which  provided  a Saviour  for  sinners,  and  makes  daily 
proclamation  of  pardoning  mercy  through  him  to 
the  penitent,  must  be  pure  and  wholly  disinterested. 
There  was  no  desert  in  man  of  any  thing  but  divine 
displeasure.  The  pity  of  his  Maker  and  Judge  might, 
indeed,  have  been  exercised  towards  him,  while  the  sen- 
tence of  his  holy  law  was  pronounced  and  executed 
upon  him.  But  man  did,  and  could  offer  no  atonement 
for  sin — no  price  of  redemption  from  death ; nor  could 
he  lay  his  Maker  and  offended  Sovereign  under  the 
remotest  obligation,  to  suspend  the  sentence  of  the  law. 
The  benevolence  of  God  then,  in  the  provisions  of  his 
gospel,  is  wholly  disinterested — entirely  gratuitous.  All 
that  his  redeemed  creatures  can  ever  render  him,  for 
the  interpositions  of  his  mercy  in  their  behalf,  can  never 
add,  in  the  least  degree,  to  his  essential  happiness  or 
glory.  God  could  be  moved  then,  by  no  other  consid- 
erations but  those  of  pure  benevolence,  to  make  the 
proclamation  of  pardoning  mercy  to  our  guilty  and  de- 
graded race. 

The  design  of  that  gospel,  which  he  has  caused  to 
be  published,  is,  to  bring  men  to  bear  a moral  resem- 
blance to  himself ; to  possess  and  to  exercise  in  some 
good  degree  that  temper,  which  delights  in  diffusing 
happiness  as  widely  as  the  children  of  woe  can  be 
found,  in  scattering  light  over  the  regions  which  are 
covered  with  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death.  Just 
so  far  as  men  possess  the  temper  which  the  gospel 
requires,  they  possess  the  spirit  in  question.  “Be  yo 
the  children  of  your  Father,  who  js  in  heaven;”  that 


is,  imitate  him,  be  like  him,  says  the  divine  Saviour  to 
all  his  followers  : — “ for  he  rnaketh  the  sun  to  arise  on 
the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just 
and  on  the  unjust.” 

Such  was  the  spirit  which  the  primitive  followers 
of  the  Saviour  cherished.  They  made  no  secret  re- 
serve of  any  earthly  comfort  or  selfish  interest ; but  gave 
up  themselves  and  all  which  they  possessed,  to  promote 
the  cause  of  their  divine  Master.  No  sacrifice  was  too 
great  for  the  promotion  of  such  an  object ; property, 
liberty,  life — all  were  devoted  with  cheerful  readiness 
to  adv  ance  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom. 
Nay,  they  did  actually  regard  it  as  matter  of  joy  when 
they  were  called  to  grievous  trials,  and  exulted  when 
they  were  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame,  for  him  who 
died  to  redeem  them. 

Thus  felt,  and  lived,  and  acted,  the  primitive  disci- 
ples of  Jesus  ; and  by  the  prevalence  of  such  a spirit 
among  them,  was  the  way  prepared  for  those  signal 
triumphs  of  the  Christian  cause,  by  which  the  times 
when  they  lived  were  distinguished.  With  entire  sim- 
plicity and  devotedness  of  soul,  they  gave  up  themselves 
and  all  which  they  had  to  promote  the  salvation  of 
their  perishing  fellow  men ; and  the  peculiar  blessing 
of  heaven  every  where  accompanied  their  labours. 
By  a few  individuals,  of  obscure  origin,  of  little  learning, 
of  small  property,  and  originally  of  no  considerable  in- 
fluence in  society,  has  been  accomplished  a revolution 
in  the  world,  greater  than  all  the  efforts  of  orators, 
statesmen,  and  warriors  ever  accomplished — a revolu- 
tion which  has  changed  the  aspect  of  society,  among  the 
most  conspicuous  part  of  the  human  race ; and  which 
will  be  followed  by  consequences,  in  respect  to  the 


ti 

happiness  of  mankind,  that  are  unlimited  in  extent  and 
endless  in  duration. 

Shall  the  happy  days  of  Christian  triumph  no  more 
return  to  bless  the  earth  ; to  animate  the  exertions,  and 
exalt  the  hopes  of  those  who  love  Zion ; to  rescue  per- 
ishing sinners  from  destruction,  and  prepare  them  for 
glory  ? Yes — when  the  spirit  of  primitive  ages  returns, 
the  triumphs  of  Christianity  will  again  be  seen  to  spread 
far  and  wide  over  the  earth.  When  multitudes  of 
faithful  disciples  shall  be  found,  who  will  cheerfully 
leave  all  to  follow  Christ  ; the  banners  of  the  cross  will 
be  unfurled  in  distant  regions,  and  wave  as  the  signals 
of  peace  and  joy,  on  the  mountains  of  Persia,  the  plains 
of  China  and  Hindoostan,  the  deserts  of  Africa,  and 
among  the  wilds  of  America. 

Who  that  loves  the  cause  of  Christ  will  not  lift  up 
his  heart,  with  devout  aspirations  to  God  for  the  return 
of  that  primitive  love  and  zeal,  which  have  so  long 
abandoned  the  earth  ? Who  will  not  ardently  wish, 
that  the  spirit  of  benevolence  required  by  our  text, 
may  speedily  pervade  the  heart  and  animate  the  life  of 
all  who  profess  to  be  the  followers  of  him,  who  went 
about  doing  good  ? It  is  a godlike  spirit  which  makes 
Us  partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  which  leaves  our  own 
petty  and  selfish  interests  and  prejudices  out  of  sight, 
and  nobly  devotes  itself  to  promote  those  designs,  that 
dwell  on  the  heart  of  everlasting  love. 

Arise,  every  Christian  must  say,  Arise,  O Sun  of 
righteousness,  with  healing  in  thy  beams!  Bless  the 
world  with  that  light  which  shone  around  the  apostles 
and  martyrs  ! Dispel  the  darkness  that  covers  the 
nations ! Usher  in  the  glorious  morning  of  a brighter 
day,  when  the  disciples  of  Jesus  shall  be  filled  with  that 


spirit  of  expansive  benevolence  which  his  gospel  re- 
quires; that  day,  which  shall  witness  the  triumphs  of 
his  grace,  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  to  the  going  down 
of  the  same. 

Such  a dav,  blessed  be  God,  we  do  hope  has  begun 
to  dawn.  The  occasion  on  which  we  are  now  met, 
connected  with  the  various  circumstances  which  have 
led  to  this  meeting,  proclaims  that  this  day  has  begun  to 
dawn.  Cliristians  are  at  last  awaking  from  the  slumber 
of  ages,  and  beginning  to  feel  that  the  benevolence  of 
the  gospel  does  not  permit  them  to  sit  down  at  their 
ease,  and  indulge  in  supineness  and  indifference,  while 
there  are  so  many  millions  of  their  fellow  creatures, 
who  never  heard  of  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  do  not 
know  that  they  are  hastening  to  an  eternal  retribution. 
Thus  did  not  Paul,  and  Peter,  and  other  followers  of 
the  Saviour.  Thus  we  cannot  do,  "without  disobedience 
to  the  holy  injunction  which  requires  us  to  do  good  to 
all  men  as  we  have  opportunity ; without  dishonoring 
that  benevolence  which  is  the  glory  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion. 

I need  not  repeat  the  history  of  those  benevolent 
efforts,  by  wThich  the  present  age,  bevond  all  since  the 
first  century  after  the  death  of  Christ,  is  distinguished. 
It  is  familiar  to  your  minds ; and  lies  ready  at  hand,  in  a 
multitude  of  religious  publications  to  which  the  spirit  of 
Christian  zeal  has  recently  given  birth.  Nor  is  it  any 
longer  necessary  to  inform  you,  how  great  a portion  of  the 
human  race  are  yet  involved  in  more  than  Egyptian 
night,  and  never  have  seen  the  blessed  light  of  the  gos- 
pel. This  subject  has  been,  in  various  ways,  brought 
before  your  minds  ; so  that  you  now  distinctly  know  the 
wants  and  woes  of  multitudes  of  your  fellow  creatures, 


a 


and  what  proportion  ot  them  are  in  a perishing  state* 
I have  thought  then,  that  I could  not  occupy  your  time 
more  appropriately,  or  profitably,  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, than  by  contributing,  so  far  as  lies  in  my  power,  to 
urge  the  continuance  and  the  increase  of  that  spirit  of 
primitive  Christianity,  which  has  begun  of  late  to  mani- 
fest itself  in  so  distinguished  a manner,  by  spreading 
abroad  the  knowledge  of  a Saviour. 

We  must  do  good  to  all  men , as  ive  have  opportunity  ; 

We  must  not  be  weary  in  well  doing  ; and  then, 

We  shall  reap  in  due  time,  if  we  faint  not. 

I.  We  must  do  good  to  all  men,  as  we  have  oppor- 
tunity. 

A real  conviction  of  our  obligation  to  do  good  to  all 
men  as  we  have  opportunity,  a conviction  which  is 
efficacious  and  permanent,  which  will  regulate  our  affec- 
tions and  our  conduct,  can  spring  only7  from  that  benevo- 
lence, which  I have  already  endeavoured  to  describe, 
and  which  renders  us  like  to  God  and  the  Saviour. 
When  the  soul  becomes  a partaker  of  this  spirit,  and 
the  obligations  of  love  towards  perishing  fellow  crea- 
tures are  placed  before  it ; it  cannot  doubt,  where  the 
path  of  duty  lies,  nor  hesitate,  (so  far  as  it  is  actuated 
by  this  spirit,)  to  follow  it.  When  impolled  by  love,  it 
will  not  be  timid  and  skeptical,  in  admitting  the  evi- 
dence that  there  is  opportunity  to  do  good.  Credible 
testimony  that  fellow  beings  are  in  want  atid  wo,  and 
exposed  to  everlasting  misery,  will  make  it  anxious  to 
seek  opportunities  to  do  them  good.  We  arc  not  to 
sit  down  and  wait,  until  those  opportunities  arc  present- 
ed by  some  fortuitous  circumstances,  which  we  can  never 
foresee,  nor  in  which  we  can  have  any  agency.  Christ 


9 


and  Paul  went  about  doing  good.  They  sought  the 
objects  of  misery  wherever  they  were  to  be  found,  at 
the  expense  of  the  greatest  exertions,  toils,  and  suff'er- 
ings.  And  when  this  spirit  animates  the  bosoms  o(  the 
followers  of  Jesus,  there  never  can  be  wanting  opportu- 
nity to  do  good  to  all  men.  There  is  no  nation,  nor 
tribe,  nor  family,  to  whom  good  may  not  be  done. 

I do  not  deny  that  our  text  may,  and  does,  com- 
prize the  good  which  may  be  done  to  our  fellow  crea- 
tures in  a temporal,  as  well  as  a spiritual  respect.  It  is 
a precept  of  a general  nature,  embracing  all  kinds  ot 
good.  But  granting  this  ; it  is  very  obvious,  then,  that 
spiritual  good  is  not  to  be  excluded.  For  if  Christianity 
requires  that  we  should  do  good  to  all.  as  we  have  op- 
portunitv  : it  requires  us  to  do  that  good,  which  of  all  is 
the  most  important.  As  long  then  as  the  soul  is  of  mofe 
importance  than  the  bodv;  as  long  as  eternity  is  of 
more  consequence  than  the  few,  fleeting  years  of  our 
mortal  existence  ; and  as  long  as  the  retributions  of 
eternity  accord  with  the  state  of  moral  character  hero 
formed : so  long,  will  efforts  to  save  the  souls  of  men 
from  everlasting  death,  and  to  hide  a multitude  of  sins, 
be  the  most  conspicuous  and  important  among  all  the 
works  of  benevolence,  which  man  can  ever  perform  ; so 
long  will  they  constitute  the  grand  point  of  obedience 
to  the  injunction  of  our  text. 

It  is  not  usual  for  those  who  bear  the  Christian 

name,  to  deny  directly,  that  duty  requires  them  to  do 

good  to  all  men  as  they  have  opportunity'.  But  ah ! 

how  different  the  capacities  and  efforts  of  men,  to 

find  opportunities ! One  visits  the  shores  of  India,  or 

Africa,  and  finds  a thousand  objects  which  seize  his 

attention.  The  climate  and  productions,  with  the  man- 
o 


10 


ners,  dress,  and  appearance  of  the  heathen  inhabitants, 
pass  in  review  before  him — and  he  describes  them  with 
lively  interest  to  others:  but,  the  darkness  which  cov- 
ers them,  he  does  not  recognize ; he  does  not  inquire 
how  much  they  need  a Saviour ; nor  whether  the  gospel 
can  be  published  among  them.  He  views  them  simply 
as  human  animals ; investigates  their  means  of  animal 
enjoyment ; but  never  once  thinks,  whether  they  are 
immortal  beings,  and  capable  of  being  formed,  by  the 
gospel,  for  the  enjoyment  of  endless  happiness. 

Not  so  the  Christian  traveller,  whose  heart  glows 
with  apostolic  zeal.  Not  so  Buchanan  ! that  oriental 
star  whose  beams  have  scattered  light  over  many  na- 
tions ; and  whose  reflection,  even  after  it  has  set,  still 
brightens  all  the  western  hemisphere.  He  could  find  ob- 
jects of  Christian  charity,  wherever  he  directed  his  steps. 
At  Calcutta,  at  Ceylon,  at  the  temple  of  Juggernaut — he 
found  excitement  to  do  the  work  of  God.  Heathen  abom- 
inations kindled  his  zeal  for  his  Master’s  honor  ; and  like 
the  most  exalted  missionary  that  ever  proclaimed  the 
grace  of  God  to  the  perishing  heathen,  his  heart  was 
stirred  within  him,  whenever  he  saw  the  people  devot- 
ed to  idolatry.  The  holy  flame  which  kindled  in  his 
breast,  he  has  communicated  to  thousands  in  Europe 
and  America.  It  is  spreading  far  and  wide.  I trust  it 
will  burn  with  a more  pure,  intense,  and  heavenly 
warmth,  until  all  hearts  shall  feel  its  influence ; and  the 
blessings  which  it  will  bring  upon  the  race  of  man,  shall 
be  extended  as  widely  as  the  ruins  of  the  fall. 

O for  a thousand  Buchanans,  to  traverse  the  earth  and 
survey  the  moral  desolations  of  mankind  with  a Chris- 
tian eye;  and  then  to  appeal  to  the  followers  of  Jesus, 
with  such  tender  compassion  for  perishing  immortals! 


11 


Our  opportunities  to  do  good  would  soon  transcend  all 
our  past  conceptions  on  this  subject ; and  the  injunction 
of  our  text  would  press  with  redoubled  force  upon  us. 

There  is,  however,  little  danger,  but  that  our  op- 
portunities to  do  good  will  be  more  extensive,  as  it 
respects  the  wants  that  urge  themselves  upon  our  no- 
tice. than  our  ability,  or  even  our  inclination.  There 
is,  therefore,  more  need  of  our  being  excited  to  press 
forward  in  the  course  of  benevolence,  than  of  our  being, 
at  present,  instructed  where  we  may  find  opportunity 
to  do  good.  Let  us  proceed,  then,  to  contemplate  the 
exhortation  of  our  text ; 

Be  not  weary  in  well  doing. 

It  is  incident  to  our  present  state  of  being,  that  we 
are  exposed  to  change ; and  sometimes,  through  dis- 
couragement, we  abandon  or  neglect  objects,  which  are 
of  great  importance.  All  men  who  are  duly  acquainted 
with  themselves,  feel  and  lament  this  weakness.  In 
respect  to  the  great  object,  on  account  of  which  we 
are  this  day  convened,  and  for  the  promotion  of  which 
so  many  in  our  country  are  at  present  engaged  ; I am 
happy  in  being  able  to  say,  that  as  yet  no  sensible 
diminution  of  zeal  appears  ; and  no  direct  evidence  that 
Christians  are  becoming  weary  of  well  doing.  But,  it 
is  certainly  true  that  the  efforts  which  have  been  made 
to  promote  this  object,  have  called  forth  the  reasonings 
of  some  ingenious  men  against  it ; and  that  some  cir- 
cumstances exist,  which  are  calculated  to  abate  the 
ardour  of  those,  who  are  not  furnished  w ith  a good 
degree  of  information  on  subjects  of  this  nature,  or 
who  have  not  become  too  deeply  and  thoroughly  im- 
bued with  the  spirit  of  missions,  to  be  impeded  by  any 
objections,  or  dissuaded  by  any  discouragements.  Per- 


12 


haps  our  time  may  not  then  be  unprofitably  employed, 
if  a few  minutes  should  be  occupied  in  considering  those 
objections  and  discouragements  with  regard  to  Foreign 
Missions,  which  are  most  important,  and  which  have  a 
tendency  to  make  the  friends  of  this  object  weary  in 
well  doing.  And 

1.  It  has  been  objected  by  some,  and  even  by 
some  who  sustain  high  offices  in  the  Church  of  God, 
that  the  command  to  go  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature,  was  binding  merely  upon  the  apostles,  to 
whom  it  was  addressed ; and  is  not  so  upon  Christians 
of  the  present  day. 

As  Christians  commonly  deduce  the  obligation  of 
sending  abroad  the  gospel  from  this  command,  it  is  in- 
teresting to  know,  whether  they  can  be  justified  in  thus 
interpreting  the  scripture. 

I grant  the  command  was  addressed  to  the  apostles 
only,  in  the  first  instance.  But  then  the  very  nature  of 
the  command  shews,  that  it  was  not  designed  to  be 
limited  to  them.  How  could  twelve  men,  (rather  only 
eleven,  for  Judas  was  dead,)  go  and  preach  the  gospel 
to  every  creature;  i.  e.,  to  all  the  nations,  and  families 
of  the  earth?  The  thing  was  impossible;  and  the 
eommand  therefore  was  never  designed  to  limit  this 
duty  to  them.  The  command  prescribed  a general 
duty,  a duty  interwoven  with  the  very  nature  of  Chris- 
tian benevolence,  and  binding  on  all  Christians,  60  long 
as  any  part  of  the  earth  remains  unenlightened  by  the 
gospel.  It  is  a very  plain  rule  of  construing  any  code 
of  laws,  human  or  divine,  that  as  long  as  the  reason  of 
the  law  exists,  so  long  the  law  itself,  unless  formally 
repealed , must  exist.  The  same  reason  most  evidently 
exists,  at  the  present  hour,  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the 


IS 


heathen.  as  urged  the  apostles  to  go  and  preach  to  all 
nations.  The  nations  were  then  perishing  in  ignorance 
and  wickedness ; so  arc  they  now  : they  then  needed 
the  light  of  the  gospel  ; so  do  they  now  : the  gospel 
was  then  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation;  and  so  it 
still  is.  Benevolence  then  demanded  an  effort  to  render 
happy,  men  in  a miserable  and  perishing  condition ; it 
requires  no  less,  at  the  present  hour. 

When  Christians,  therefore,  deduce  their  obliga- 
tion to  send  missionaries  to  the  heathen  from  the  com- 
mand in  question,  they  do  that  which  can  be  justified, 
upon  the  plainest  and  most  reasonable  principles  of  in- 
terpreting the  scriptures. 

Let  me  add  to  the  considerations  already  suggested, 
that  more  powerful  reasons  now  exist  to  urge  upon  Chris- 
tians obedience  to  this  command,  than  existed  in  the 
time  of  the  apostles.  The  followers  of  Jesus  are  now 
numerous  ; learned ; rich ; possessed  of  great  influence  in 
the  scale  of  nations  ; and  can  use  a multitude  of  means 
to  spread  the  gospel  which  were  inaccessible  to  the 
apostolic  age.  How  can  they  he  excused  then,  for 
neglecting  this  duty  ? 

It  has  been  objected 

2.  That  the  heathen  do  not  need  the  gospel ; that 
they  are  already  as  moral  and  happy  as  Christian  na- 
tions ; and  have  as  good  ground  to  expect  future  happi- 
ness. 

It  is  a pleasant  circumstance,  that  this  objection  is 
not  frequent  m our  country  ; at  least,  among  those  who 
profess  any  regard  to  the  Christian  religion : yet  as  it 
does  exist,  it  may  be  proper  not  to  pass  it  altogether 
unnoticed. 

The  subject,  which  this  objection  brings  to  view. 


14 


has  been,  of  late,  so  amply  and  frequently  discussed, 
specially  in  recent  English  publications,  that  I shall  only 
suggest  a few  brief  hints,  by  way  of  reviewing  it,  and 
then  proceed  in  my  discourse. 

I will  freely  acknowledge  to  the  objector,  that 
there  are  as  bad,  nay  worse  men  in  Christian  coun- 
tries, than  in  heathen.  They  are  equally  profligate  ; 
and  much  more  expert  in  accomplishing  wicked  de- 
signs. But  are  these  men  Christians  ; or  only  those 
who  disgrace  the  Christian  name,  and  call  down  the 
displeasure  of  heaven,  upon  the  nations  to  whom  they 
belong  ? When  this  question  is  answered,  the  whole 
difficulty  is  solved. 

Yes;  there  are  those  in  Christian  countries,  who  de- 
light in  crimes,  and  the  infliction  of  misery  upon  others  ; 
there  are  those  who  delight  in  war  and  blood ; who 
thirst  with  more  than  a tiger’s  appetite  for  human  vic- 
tims : but  Christianity  does  not  own  these  ; they  are 
sons  of  Belial ; rebels  against  the  God  of  heaven  ; dc- 
spisert!  of  the  Saviour ; — and  are  advancing  to  the  eter- 
nal pit,  with  a guilt  of  far  deeper  hue  than  that  of 
Sodom  and  Gomorrha,  or  even  of  Capernaum  and 
Bethsaida. 

Take  away  all  these,  and  then  compare  the  heathen, 
as  to  morality,  or  as  to  happiness.  Compare  the  fol- 
lowers of  Brahma  and  Mohammed,  with  the  real  disci- 
ples of  Jesus ! Compare  them  in  their  most  holy 
things — the  sacred  rites  of  their  religion.  Juggernaut 
will  tell  you  how  to  estimate  the  Hindoos;  and  the 
Alcoran  will  tell  you,  what  you  are  to  expect  from  the 
followers  of  Mohammed.  Impurity  and  blood  is  written 
on  the  banners  of  Brahma,  through  all  the  East : and 
impurity  and  blood  is  inscribed  on  the  banners  of  the 


15 


Mussulinen  too,  in  Asia  and  Africa.  The  Koran  teaches 
tiie  devotee  to  expect  a heaven,  whose  chief  ingredient 
is  impurity ; and  blood  has  followed  the  track  of  the 
crescent,  ever  since  it  was  first  displayed  by  Mohammed. 

Look  too  at  the  heathen  and  Mohammedan  countries, 
and  tell  me  what  is  the  condition  of  the  poorer,  the  la- 
bouring, and  more  numerous  class  of  society  in  them  all  ? 
What  can  be  the  condition  of  those  who  have  security  of 
neither  liberty,  property,  nor  life  ? Where  is  compassion 
to  the  poor  ? Walk  in  the  suburbs  of  Canton,  of  the  tem- 
ple of  Juggernaut,  of  Constantinople — and  see  thousands 
of  miserable  wretches,  every  year,  absolutely  perishing 
with  hunger  and  nakedness,  while  not  a single  hand  is 
moved,  or  heart  touched  for  them.  Pass  then  into 
Europe  and  America,  and  see  the  Lazarettos,  the  hos- 
pitals, the  alms-houses,  which  bless  every  petty  hamlet 
that  you  find.  Consider  the  immense  amount  of  taxes 
paid  by  the  public,  and  the  still  greater  amount  of  pri- 
vate contributions,  for  the  support,  and  comfort,  and 
education  of  the  poor  and  unfortunate.  Look  at  the 
administration  of  justice  in  Christian  countries ; con- 
template the  means  of  instruction,  the  colleges  and 
schools  that  exist ; consider  the  progress  of  all  the  arts 
and  sciences,  which  contribute  to  enoble  and  adorn,  as 
well  as  to  render  comfortable  and  affluent,  societies  of 
men : and  before  you  finish  the  comparison,  look  on  the 
thousands  of  Christians,  who  are  devoting  their  time, 
their  talents,  their  property,  to  the  sole  object  of  pro- 
moting the  happiness  of  their  fellow  creatures.  Then 
say,  if  you  have  hardihood  enough  to  say,  that  heathen 
countries  are  as  moral  and  happy  as  Christian  ? 

I do  not  deny,  that  there  may  be  personal  happi- 
ness, in  some  degree,  in  heathen  countries  ; or  that 


16 


individuals  may  be  iound,  who  are  in  current  language 
moral.  The  cause  whicli  I advocate,  needs  not  any 
such  extravagance  to  support  it,  as  would  be  involved 
in  such  a denial.  But  then,  how  few  are  they  of  whom 
this  can  be  truly  said!  One  half  the  human  race,  (the 
female  part,)  are,  in  all  heathen  and  Mohammedan  coun- 
tries, degraded  to  the  last  degree,  and  considered  and 
treated  merely  as  the  veriest  slaves,  whose  sole  busi- 
ness it  is  to  subserve  the  passions  and  interests  of  their 
masters.  It  is  one  of  the  glories  of  Christianity,  that  it 
has  raised  the  female  sex,  to  that  exalted  rank  in  hu- 
man society  which  they  deserve ; and  it  is  ingratitude 
of  a high  character , in  those  of  them  who  forget  this.  Jus- 
tice however  obliges  me  to  say,  that  as  yet,  there  arc 
many,  very  many  more  warm  friends  to  the  cause  of 
Christianity  among  them,  than  among  the  other  sex. 

It  cannot  be  said,  in  answer  to  the  view  I have  ta- 
ken of  heathen  and  Mohammedan  countries,  that  I have 
given  only  the  character  of  those,  w ho  are  apostates 
from  the  religion  of  Brahma,  and  Mohammed.  The 
gods  of  India,  and  of  the  whole  heathen  wrorld,  almost 
without  exception,  are  of  the  very  basest  character, 
which  the  imagination  can  form;  and  as  religion  always 
consists  in  a resemblance  of  the  worshipper  to  his  god. 
a heathen  devotee,  of  necessity  is  a bad  man.  Of  Mo- 
hammed it  may  be  said  truly,  that  he  has  given  us 
many  sublime  views  of  the  Deity, in  the  Koran;  but  he 
drew  them  from  the  scriptures,  which  he  professed  to 
regard  as  a revelation  from  God.  Yet  the  morality  of 
Mohammed  is  what  consummate  hypocrisy  may  prac- 
tise; and  the  heaven  he  taught  his  followers  to  expect, 
is  what  the  highest  sensualist  may  be  assured  of  obtain- 


17 


mg.  How  can  such  a morality  and  the  expectation  ol 
such  a heaven,  purify  the  soul  ? 

In  regard  to  the  assertion,  that  the  heathen  have  as 
much  right  to  expect  luture  happiness  as  Christians, 
much  might  be  said.  1 shall  comprize  in  a few  words, 
what  the  present  occasion  permits  me  to  say. 

I admit  the  possibility  of  salvation  to  a heathen. 
The  apostle  seems  to  me  to  intimate  this,  when  he  says, 
that  those  “who  sin  without  law,  shall  be  judged  without 
law  and  “ if  the  uncircumcision  keep  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  law,  shall  not  his  uncircumcision  be  counted 
for  circumcision?”  But  then,  as  no  man  is  perfect, 
either  heathen  or  Christian,  so  none  can  be  saved  but 
through  the  Mediator. 

Still,  admitting  the  possibility , and  even  the  actual 
existence  of  cases,  where  the  heathen  are  saved — is 
there  any  probability  that  they  are  numerous  ? Do  the 
lives  of  the  heathen,  in  general,  exhibit  evidence  that 
they  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God  ? Far  from  it — very 
Jar  from  it.  Nothing  can  be  more  correct  indeed,  than 
the  picture  which  the  apostle  has  drawn  of  them,  in  the 
first  chapter  of  his  epistle  to  the  Romans.  They  do 
then  need  the  gospel  to  reform  them  ; they  need  it  to 
civilize  them ; they  need  it  to  comfort  them ; they 
need  it  to  prepare  them  for  glory. 

Besides  all  this;  if  the  objection  be  well  founded,  it 
was  equally  so  in  the  days  of  the  apostles  ; and  the  in- 
junction upon  them  to  preach  to  the  heathen,  was  just 
as  needless  as  it  is  now. 

A third  objection  alleges,  that  the  age  of  miracles 
being  past,  and  the  heathen  being  so  numerous,  and  so 
obstinately  attached  to  their  superstitions,  there  can  be 

3 


18 


no  rational  hope  of  success,  from  preaching  the  gospel 
among  them. 

But  this  objection  proves  too  much.  If  the  gospel 
cannot  be  preached  to  the  heathen,  with  any  hope  of 
success  because  the  age  of  miracles  is  past,  then  it  can 
be  rationally  preached  no  where  else  ; for  sinners  under 
the  light  of  the  gospel  are  not  less  difficult  to  be  con- 
verted than  the  heathen.  On  such  a subject,  history 
may  speak.  And  I ask  the  objector  to  look  at  Caffra- 
ria — at  Greenland — at  Hindoostan  ; to  read  the  histo- 
ries of  Eliot,  Brainard,  Schwartz,  Vanderkcmp,  Kicli- 
erer,  and  many  others.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  the 
gospel  has  power  to  subdue  the  most  inveterate  preju- 
dices, and  to  enlighten  the  darkest  minds.  It  cannot  be 
denied  that  Christian  missionaries  to  the  heathen  have 
had  as  great  success,  as  the  same  number  of  ministers 
have  had  in  Europe  and  America. 

Besides ; what  were  the  nations  of  Europe,  now 
called  Christian,  some  ages  ago  ? — A horde  of  the  most 
rude  and  barbarous  savages;  the  devotees  of  Woden, 
and  Thor,  and  other  gods  of  similar  character.  What 
civilized  them  ? How  were  they  christianized  ? Not 
by  miracles;  the  age  of  miracles  had  long  passed. 
They  were  civilized  and  christianized  by  the  gospel ; 
preached  too  in  an  age,  when  very  much  of  its  essential 
glory  was  obscured,  by  the  ignorance  and  superstition 
of  its  ministers.  Why  may  not  heathen  now  be  chris- 
tianized by  the  same  gospel,  exhibited  in  its  effulgence  ? 
They  may ; they  are  ; skepticism  cannot  deny  it ; en- 
mity to  the  cross  and  the  glory  of  the  Saviour  cannot 
conceal  it. 

If  miracles,  moreover,  arc  necessary  to  propagate  the 
Christian  religion  among  the  heathen,  when  are  the> 


19 


to  take  place  ? Produce  the  passage  ot  scripture, 
which  promises  a renewal  of  the  age  of  miracles  to  the 
church.  The  revelation  of  God  is  completed ; the 
Christian  religion  is  established.  Its  increase  is  to  be 
effected,  like  all  other  great  and  good  objects,  by  strenu- 
ous efforts,  folloiced  with  the  blessing  of  God. 

A fourth , and  somewhat  common  objection  to  for- 
eign missions  is,  that  we  have  heathen  enough  to  be 
converted  at  home ; why  should  wre  then  send  abroad 
to  convert  them  ? 

The  fact  I am  constrained  to  admit.  Ah  yes ! We 
have  indeed,  within  the  very  echo  of  that  gospel  which 
is  proclaimed  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath,  thousands  who 
know  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  gospel  : thousands, 
who  are  hastening  to  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ,  with 
the  accumulated  guilt  of  having  rejected  an  offered  Sa- 
viour, and  done  despite  to  the  Spirit  of  his  grace  ; thou- 
sands too,  who  do  not  even  know  the  elementary  prin- 
ciples of  the  Christian  religion.  A heavy  load  of  guilt 
lies  upon  Christians  for  all  this,  it  must  be  granted. 
F ar  greater  exertions  than  have  yet  been  made,  duty. 
— imperious  duty,  requires  them  to  make  ; and  the  day 
is  dawning  already,  which  will  enlighten  this  dark  spot. 
Sabbath  schools,  charity  chapels,  and  domestic  missiona- 
ry societies  are  begininng  the  work  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence, and  of  God.  A thousand  blessings  descend  upon 
them  ! May  all  hearts  be  warmed — may  all  hands  be 
employed  in  their  behalf ; and  the  grace  of  God  render 
their  efforts  effectual,  to  the  salvation  of  many  perishing- 
sinners  ! 

But,  is  Christian  benevolence  of  such  a nature  as  to 
be  circumscribed  here  ? Can  it  not  expand,  until  it 
teaches  the  distant  shores  of  Asia  and  Africa,  and  the 


20 


wilds  of  our  western  forests  ? If  a beggar  comes  to 
the  door  of  a rich  man  and  presents  an  importunate  re- 
quest for  aid,  Avhich  lie  is  able  to  grant;  shall  the  poor 
perishing  wretch,  who  lies  at  some  distance  from  his 
house,  and  cannot  come  to  ask  for  charity,  be  wholly 
neglected?  Forbid  it  heaven!  Spirit  of  holy  love 
which  dwelt  in  the  bosoms  of  the  apostles  and  martyrs, 
forbid  it  ! 

Yes  ; we  have  something  to  spare  for  the  perishing 
heathen  too.  We  can  tell  some  of  them,  that  Jesus 
died  for  them;  we  can  offer  consolation  to  some  guilty 
wretches,  who  are  perishing  in  despair ; and  tell  them 
that  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God  taketh  away  the 
sins  of  the  world.  We  can  bid  the  eyes  that  are  clos- 
ing in  everlasting  darkness,  look  to  Calvary  and  see 
eternal  day7. 

Who  has  been  impoverished  by  foreign  missions  ? 
Whose  bread  has  been  withheld,  or  whose  water  has 
failed  ? And  are  t.hc  men,  whose  hearts  are  so  warm- 
ed with  benevolence,  as  to  send  the  tidings  of  salvation 
to  the  most  distant  heathen,  the  men  who  are  to  be  un- 
feeling and  illiberal  towards  those  around  them,  who 
arc  perishing  ? Such  are  not  the  laws  of  our  nature ; 
it  is  not  so  in  practice.  I court  the  investigation  ; who 
are  among  the  most  conspicuous  for  domestic  liberali- 
ties ? Arc  they  not  the  warmest  patrons  of  foreign 
missions  too?  1 make  the  appeal  to  fact ; and  facts 
are  better,  on  such  a subject,  than  all  the  theories  which 
can  be  formed. 

In  regard  to  the  objections,  which  I have  hitherto 
discussed,  some  of  them  arc  made  by  persons,  who  evi- 
dently have  little  or  no  regard  to  Christianity,  and  arc 
^different,  whether  it  is  any  where  preached,  or  not. 


21 


Others  are  suggested  by  persons  of  a more  sober  char- 
acter, and  who  have  imbibed  some  unhappy  prejudices 
against  the  cause  of  foreign  missions.  There  are  be- 
sides these,  some  discouragements,  which  have  a tenden- 
cv  to  operate  on  the  minds  of  those,  who  are  real 
friends  to  the  cause  in  question.  The  nature  of  my 
design  requires  me  not  to  pass  these  over  in  silence. 

I shall  speak  only  of  the  discouragements  which  re- 
spect the  foreign  missions  of  our  own  country. 

The  first  and  greatest,  at  present,  is  the  want  of 
success. 

We  admit,  that  hitherto,  no  success  of  a peculiarly 
encouraging  nature,  has  attended  our  efforts  abroad. 
But  then,  justice  requires  that  several  considerations 
should  be  here  suggested. 

It  is  but  a short  time,  since  the  business  of  foreign 
missions  commenced.  Our  young  men,  who  have  de- 
voted themselves  to  this  work,  have  scarcely  had  time 
to  become  acquainted  with  the  languages  of  the  coun- 
tries where  they  are.  Their  difficulties,  in  respect  to 
quiet  residence,  have  been  many.  They  have  hardly  be- 
gun to  acquire  personal  influence  and  regard  among 
strangers.  It  is  but  very  recently,  that  they  have  begun 
with  stammering  tongue,  as  one  of  them  describes  it,  to 
proclaim  the  news  of  salvation.  It  would  be  unreason- 
able to  be  weary  of  well  doing  towards  them,  until  they 
have  had  a more  thorough  opportunity  to  accomplish 
the  object  of  their  mission. 

In  the  mean  time,  for  our  encouragement  let  us 
turn  our  views,  for  a moment,  to  the  London  mission  to 
the  South  Sea  Islands,  and  the  Baptist  mission  to  India. 
More  than  twenty  years  passed,  before  either  of  them 
was  crowned  with  any  distinguished  success.  Of  late, 


God  has  seen  tit  to  reward  their  toils,  and  faith,  and 
patience,  specially  in  the  South  Sea  Islands,  with  the 
most  animating  success.  Nations  have  been  bom  unto 
God,  as  it  were,  in  a day.  They  have  thrown  their 
idols  to  the  moles  and  the  bats.  They  have  literally 
burned  them  in  the  fire,  and  become  the  professed  dis- 
ciples of  that  Saviour,  of  whom  they  were  once  entirely 
ignorant. 

The  efforts  of  the  United  Brethren  too  have  been, 
in  many  places,  peculiarly  blessed.  In  short,  we  run  no 
hazard  in  asserting,  that  the  gospel  has  been  as  success- 
ful among  the  heathen,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
teachers  employed,  as  in  Christian  countries ; with  the 
exception  of  a small  portion  of  Christian  countries,  it  has 
undoubtedly  been  more  so. 

There  is  then  no  real  cause  of  discouragement  from 
the  want  of  success.  God  may  put  our  faith  and  pa- 
tience to  the  trial,  by  the  delay  of  the  wished  for  con- 
version of  the  heathen ; (so  he  has  dealt  w'ith  his  chil- 
dren in  former  and  latter  days;)  but  we  have  good  rea- 
son to  believe,  that  we  shall  ultimately  see  our  mission- 
ary labours  crowned  with  success.  “ Be  not  weary  in 
well  doing;  in  due  time  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.” 

A second  discouragement  is,  that  some  employed  as 
missionaries  are  of  sickly  habits ; and  some  have  quitted 
the  service  of  the  Society,  either  by  engagements  in  a 
different  connection,  or  by  return  to  this  country. 

But  are  not  preachers  every  where  exposed  to 
sickness  and  death  ? And  is  there  not  the  same  objec- 
tion to  employing  them  at  all,  as  there  is  to  sending  them 
to  the  heathen  ? The  proportion  who  arc  sickly,  or 
who  have  died  among  the  heathen,  is  not  greater  than 
elsewhere. 


23 


As  to  the  other  sources  of  discouragement ; I feel 
the  delicacy  of  the  subject,  and  wish  to  touch  it  in  such 
a manner  as  to  wound  no  feelings,  or  give  any  just  cause 
of  offence.  In  the  infant  state  of  our  mission,  it  is  no 
doubt  an  unhappiness,  that  those  who  have  left  our 
communion  for  another,  did  not  come  earlier  and  under 
different  circumstances  to  that  conviction  of  mind, 
which  has  directed  their  course  ; because  the  difficulties 
created  by  such  an  occurrence,  would  have  then  been  all 
spared.  Those  however,  who  can  view  this  subject  with 
that  Christian  enlargement  of  feeling,  which  is  grad- 
ually taking  place,  will  indulge  the  hope  and  make  at 
the  throne  of  grace  the  earnest  request,  that  the  breth- 
ren who  have  left  our  communion,  may  be  a blessing  to 
the  heathen  in  the  communion  with  which  they  are  now 
connected. 

In  regard  to  the  abandonment  of  the  object,  in  one 
case  ; some  sympathy  for  decaying  health,  and  embar- 
rassing circumstances  may  be  considered  as  justly  due. 

The  friends  of  Foreign  Missions  in  our  country  do 
wish,  with  all  their  hearts,  that  neither  of  these  events 
had  taken  place  : not  because  they  arc  warm  with  sec- 
tarian zeal,  or  because  they  think  that  no  possible  case 
can  occur,  in  which  the  adandonment  of  a mission  is  law- 
ful ; but  because,  in  the  infant  state  of  such  a great  un- 
dertaking, occurrences  of  this  nature  operate  by  way  of 
discouragement,  upon  the  minds  of  many  who  are  friendly 
to  the  missionary  cause.  Yet,  wrhen  duly  examined,  it 
will  be  found,  that  our  missions  have  experienced  less 
of  such  difficulties,  than  almost  any  other.  All  human 
concerns  and  undertakings  are  liable  to  difficulties  of  this 
kind : and  if  avc  are  to  be  discouraged  by  them,  we  may 


24 


at  once  sit  down,  in  despair  of  e\er  accomplishing  any 
important  object. 

3dly.  There  is  another  source  of  discouragement  or 
inquietude  to  some,  from  the  apprehension  that  the  pub- 
lic will  soon  become  weary  of  so  much  effort  in  the  mis- 
sionary cause,  and  gradually  desert  it. 

But  the  nature  of  the  object,  and  the  spirit  which 
prompts  to  pursue  it,  forbid  desponding  fears  of  such  a 
kind.  The  missionary  cause  has  flourished  in  Great 
Britain,  three  times  as  long  as  here ; it  has  been  tried 
with  the  most  disastrous  events ; yet  it  has  not  failed.  It 
is  gaining  strength  every  year,  and  bids  fair  to  hold  out 
while  the  sun  and  moon  shall  endure. 

If  the  object  were  of  a worldly  nature,  or  prompted 
by  the  spirit  of  selfishness,  I grant  there  would  be  rea- 
son for  the  fear  in  question.  But  as  it  is  an  object 
which  dwells  on  the  heart  of  everlasting  love,  the  fail- 
ure of  it  is  not  to  be  expected.  He  who  has  lighted  up 
in  the  breast  of  his  followers  the  flame  which  burned 
in  primitive  Christians,  will  not  suffer  it  to  be  extinguish- 
ed, while  there  is  a nation  or  a family  on  earth,  who 
are  involved  in  Pagan  or  Mohammedan  darkness. 

Enough  of  objections  and  discouragements.  In  the 
view  of  a heart  expanding  with  the  godlike  benevolence 
of  the  gospel,  they  do  not  amount  to  the  dust  in  the 
balance.  It  were  easy  now  to  turn  to  the  other  side  of 
the  question,  and  take  a view  of  the  motives  and  en- 
couragements, which  are  offered,  to  pursue  the  great 
work  of  sending  abroad  the  knowledge  of  a Saviour. 
But,  in  this  delightful  task,  1 have  already  been  antici- 
pated by  so  many,  whose  hearts  are  warm  and  whose 
hands  are  strong  in  the  cause  of  Christian  love,  that  it 


20 


would  be  unnecessary  repetition  to  dwell  upon  the  sub- 
jeet. 

I will  only  suggest  then;  1st,  that  the  command  of’ 
the  Saviour  renders  the  duty  of  endeavours  to  spread  the 
knowledge  of  the  gospel  among  all  nations,  imperious. 
There  exists  the  same  reason  why  we  should  obey  it,  as 
why  the  apostles  should. 

2.  The  precious  promises,  which  God  has  made  to 
his  church,  can  be  fulfilled  in  this  way,  and  only  in  this 
way.  There  certainly  is  a multitude  of  promises,  in  the 
Old  Testament  and  in  the  New,  that  the  visible  king- 
dom of  Christ  on  earth  shall  extend  over  all  nations. 
How  shall  all  nations  be  converted  to  the  Christian  faith, 
without  they  hear  the  gospel;  and  how  shall  they  hear, 
without  preachers?  The  accomplishment  of  the  divine 
promises  is  inseparably  connected  with  missionary  la- 
bours; and  the  duty  of  men  to  labour  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  that  which  God  has  promised,  is  plain  and 
certain. 

Besides ; the  fact  that  he  has  promised  the  univer- 
sal extension  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  renders  it 
certain  that  this  will  take  place  ; and  consequently,  that 
the  labours  of  his  faithful  servants  to  promote  this  end 
will  not,  cannot , be  in  vain. 

3.  The  actual  enjoyment  that  accompanies  benevo- 
lent efforts,  furnishes  a great  excitement  to  persevere  in 
sending  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.  God  is  supremely 
happy  because  he  is  supremely  good  and  benevolent ; 
and  in  just  such  proportion  as  we  imbibe  the  holy  spirit 
of  love,  we  must  become  happy.  There  is  an  exalted 
satisfaction,  a divine  pleasure  in  doing  good  ; and  spe- 
cially doing  that  which  is,  and  must  be  wholly  gratui- 
tous ; for  then  we  imitate  most  nearly  the  divine  benefit 

4 


26 


cence.  My  friends,  who  are  engaged  in  the  great  work 
of  supporting  missions,  will  you  not  bear  me  witness,  that 
the  pleasure  you  receive  from  it  far  more  than  repays 
you  for  all  your  toils  and  charities  ? 

Lastly ; there  is  a reward  laid  up  in  heaven,  for  those 
who  love  and  strive  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ. 
“ Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto  the  least  of  one  of  these, 
ye  did  it  unto  me.”  For  the  success  of  our  efforts,  we 
are  not  answerable ; nor  will  the  reward  in  heaven  be 
proportioned  to  this.  The  efforts  themselves  are  never 
lost,  as  it  regards  our  own  present  or  future  happiness, 
whether  they  accomplish  the  object  desired,  or  fail  of 
its  accomplishment. 

Such  are  some  of  the  prominent  motives,  which  urge 
us  not  to  be  weary  in  well  doing,  as  it  respects  the  ob- 
ject in  question.  May  I now  be  permitted,  after  having- 
endeavoured  to  remove  objections  and  discouragements, 
and  briefly  to  suggest  motives  and  excitements  to  mis- 
sionary efforts,  to  pursue  the  exhortation  of  the  apostle, 
and  apply  it  to  three  classes  of  persons  who  are  before 
me. 

I would  address  myself,  first,  to  those  who  are  pecu- 
liarly entrusted  with  managing  the  great  concerns  of  For- 
eign Missions. 

Fathers  and  Brethren,  “ be  not  weary  in  well  doing.” 
The  public  at  large  do  not,  and  cannot  know  but  a small 
part  of  your  labours,  anxieties  and  cares,  for  the  mission- 
ary cause.  These,  added  to  all  the  other  duties  of  life 
to  which  your  respective  stations  call  you,  render  your 
burden,  at  times,  almost  insupportable.  But,  my  Chris- 
tian friends,  you  will  permit  me  to  exhort  you,  not  to  be 
weary  in  well  doing.  The  cause  is  the  most  important 
in  which  men  can  be  engaged.  The  public  eye  is  fixed 


27 


on  you,  for  examples  of  patience  and  perseverance  in  it. 
Asia,  and  Africa,  and  our  western  wilderness  are  crying 
to  you  for  help.  Y ou  will  not  abandon  their  cause.  The 
satisfaction  with  which  the  friends  of  missions  univer- 
sally regard  your  labours ; the  hope  that  the  fruits  of 
them  ere  long  will  begin  to  appear  among  the  heathen; 
and  above  all,  the  approbation  of  God  and  the  exalted 
satisfaction  of  doing  good,  arc  cogent  motives  to  excite 
your  continued  and  persevering  efforts,  to  carry  on  the 
great  work  in  which  you  are  engaged.  Be  not  wear) 
then ; “ In  due  time  you  shall  reap,  if  you  faint  not.” 
Go  on  and  prosper!  Multitudes,  whose  faces  you  never 
can  behold  on  earth,  will  meet  you  at  the  bar  of  God,  to 
thank  you  with  emotions  which  surpass  utterance,  for 
your  labours  of  love  in  rescuing  them  from  destruction! 

Dear  Brethren , who  this  day  publicly  consecrate  your- 
selves to  the  Saviour , and  to  declare  his  gospel  among  the 
perishing  nations ; — 

You  will  indulge  me  in  the  exhortation  to  you,  not  to 
be  weary  in  well  doing.  You  have  begun  a course  of 
the  highest  honor ; but  attended  too,  with  the  most 
awful  responsibility.  God  only  knows  the  trials  and  ob- 
stacles, with  which  you  will  meet.  Y our  minds  should 
be  now  made  up,  never  to  be  wearied  or  discouraged 
with  them.  It  is  uncertain,  from  the  nature  of  the  case, 
whether  you  may  not  be  called  to  march  to  the  gates  of 
glory,  in  the  bloody  but  luminous  path  which  Ste- 
phen trod.  Are  your  minds  made  up,  to  this  point ; are 
they  settled  here,  so  far  as  the  heart  of  man  can  be  trust- 
ed? If  not,  abandon  now  the  cause  which  you  profess 
to  espouse.  Put  not  the  holy  cause  which  we  advocate, 
to  the  shame  of  an  effort  to  cover  fickleness  and  deser- 
tion. The  missionary  of  the  cross  is  not  to  count  hi? 


28 


life  dear ; he  is  to  count  all  things  but  loss,  for  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  knowledge  of  God.  So  did  the  best 
missionary  who  ever  proclaimed  redeeming  love  to  the 
heathen — and  you  must  walk  in  his  steps.  Are  vou 
prepared  to  do  it  ? Go  then,  proclaim  the  everlasting 
gospel  to  every  creature.  Go  publish  in  India  the  glad 
tidings  of  a Saviour.  Go,  and  with  the  thunders  of  the 
divine  word  shake  the  temples  of  Brahma,  and  make 
them  totter  to  the  ground.  Hold  on  high  the  blazing 
torch  of  Revelation,  and  scatter  its  rays  over  regions 
enveloped  in  more  than  Egyptian  darkness. 

Go  too,  and  lift  up  once  more  the  voice  of  the  jubilee 
trumpet,  on  the  hill  of  Zion.  Too  long  have  her  sacred 
palaces  been  desolate,  and  her  walls  been  broken  down. 
Go,  tell  the  inhabitants  of  that  consecrated  city,  so  long 
the  object  of  the  divine  love  and  vengeance — here  Jesus 
lived  ; here  he  prayed ; here  he  taught.  There,  in 
that  garden,  he  sweat  drops  of  blood  on  your  account ; 
yonder  he  was  crowned  with  thorns,  spit  upon,  and  buf- 
fetted.  Here  he  was  crucified — and  nature  was  veiled 
in  mourning.  See  here  ; these  rocks  were  rent  in  twain 
with  the  shock  which  the  earth  received  by  his  expiring 
breath.  There  he  burst  the  bars  of  death,  and  ascend- 
ed to  glory.  The  same  Jesus  still  lives.  He  offers  you 
pardoning  mercy  now — he  sets  eternal  glories  before 
you ! 

And  if  they  will  not  hear;  if  Jewish  obstinacy, 
or  Pagan  superstition,  or  Mohammedan  cruelty  should 
light  the  fires  of  persecution,  and  seize  you,  as  the  band 
with  Judas  did  the  Saviour;  go  with  them  to  Calvary; 
and  as  you  ascend  the  scaffold  there,  planted  on  the  spot 
where  Jesus*  blood  was  shed — proclaim  once  more,  with 
vour  dying  breath,  a crucified,  an  all  sufficient  Saviour. 


29 


And  if  they  will  not  relent ; then  open  your  bosom  to 
the  pointed  dagger,  and  say  ; Strike  ; you  may  reach  my 
heart;  but  Jesus  of  Nazareth  still  lives!  Imitate  the  dy- 
ing Saviour,  and  the  dying  Stephen;  pray  for  your  mur- 
derers ; and  then  follow  those  martyrs  in  the  bright  way 
which  they  have  led,  to  the  regions  of  eternal  glory. 

Dear  brethren,  we  commend  you  to  God,  and  the 
word  of  his  grace.  May  the  divine  Saviour  encircle  you 
in  the  arms  of  his  mercy ! May  the  divine  Spirit  make 
the  gospel  which  you  preach,  the  power  of  God  and  the 
wisdom  of  God,  to  the  salvation  of  many  perishing  hea- 
then ! 

To  the  Respected  Friends, who  by  their  appearance 
here  to-day,  proclaim  their  interest  in  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions, (and  to  all  in  our  country  w ho  love  this  cause,  could 
my  voice  reach  them,)  would  I say,  “ Be  not  weary  in 
well  doing.”  You  w ill  not,  you  cannot  desert  these  dear 
young  men,  and  others  like  them,  who  are  consecrated 
to  the  great  work  of  God  among  the  heathen.  To  you 
they  look  for  encouragement  and  support.  On  you  they 
must  lean  ; and  under  God  you  must  be  the  means  of 
their  future  usefulness  and  success.  Will  you  ever  be 
weary  of  that  cause  for  which  the  Saviour  died  ? Will 
you  not  make  one  effort  at  least,  to  send  back  the  know- 
ledge of  the  gospel  to  that  very  spot,  from  wrhich  it 
flowed  out  to  the  whole  earth  ? The  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions,  those  Avho  arc  consecrated  to  this  work,  the 
perishing  heathen  look  to  your  bounty,  your  prayers,  and 
your  efforts.  Persevere  then,  in  the  good  work,  which 
you  have  begun.  In  due  time  you  shall  reap,  if  you 
faint  not.  Should  you  not  find  your  reward,  in  the  wash- 
ed for  success  of  the  gospel  among  the  heathen ; you  will 


30 


find  it  in  a better  world,  and  receive  it  from  him,  who 
has  reserved  for  all  that  love  him  and  serve  his  cause, 
an  inheritance  which  is  incorruptible , undefiled, , and  that 
fadeth  not  away.  Amen. 


ADDRESS  TO  THE  MISSIONARIES,* 

BY  SAMUEL  WORCESTER,  D.  D. 

Reverend  and  Beloved  Brethren , 

It  is  a transaction  of  momentous  import.  Before  this  day 
the  Lord  had  set  you  apart  for  himself.  You  were  not  your 
own.  By  obligations  never  to  be  violated,  you  were  holden,  to 
live  not  unto  yourselves,  but  unto  him  who  had  called  you  unto 
his  kingdom  and  glory  : — to  do  whatever  he  should  require  ; to 
go  wherever  he  should  direct. — Now  you  have  your  special  de- 
signation. 

Not  only  are  you  called,  with  all  saints,  to  be  devoted  disci- 
ples and  followers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ; but  you  are  ordained  his 
ministers,  his  ambassadors,  officially  to  testify  the  gospel  of  his 
grace,  and  in  his  name  to  persuade  men  to  become  reconciled  to 
God  : — not  ordinary  ministers — not  settled  pastors  of  churches  ; 
but  teachers  of  the  Gentiles — Missionaries  to  the  Heathen. 
This  is  your  high — your  sacred  designation.  The  work  where- 
unto  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  called  you  ; and  to  which,  by  prayer 
and  the  laying  on  of  hands,  in  the  presence  of  earth  and  heaven, 
you  are  this  day  separated. 

You  are  separated  from  the  world — from  all  that  is  in  the 
world,  which  is  not  of  the  Father — that  you  may  be  Christ’s. 
You  are  separated  from  all  secular  occupations,  pleasures,  emol- 
uments,  and  preferments,  that  you  may  give  yourselves  devotedly 

* The  Rev.  Alfred  Finney,  before  an  ordained  Minister,  was  joined  with 
Messrs.  Fisk,  Spaulding,  Winslow,  and  Woodward,  in  the  designation  to 
the  Heathen,  and  participated  in  the  Address,  or  Charge,  and  Right  Hand  of 
Fellowship. 


32 


to  the  holy  ministry.  You  are  separated  from  your  fathers’ 
houses,  from  your  kindred,  from  your  country,  from  all  that 
would  solicit  your  settlement  or  residence  in  a Christian  land, — 
that  you  may  go  “ far  hence  to  the  gentiles.” 

Your  vows  are  made — are  recorded  on  high  ; are  scaled  for 
the  day  of  the  Loid’6  appearing.  These  vows,  dear  Brethren, 
must  be  kept.  This  holy  designation  must  never  be  violated. 
Wo  is  unto  you,  if  you  preach  not  the  gospel ; if  you  preach  it 
not  to  the  gentiles  ; if  you  ever  forsake  the  work. 

As  ministers  of  Christ  your  first  care  will  be,  that  you  be  true 
and  faithful  to  Him,  your  Master  and  Lord.  To  your  entire  dc- 
votion,  your  every  sacrifice  and  service,  his  claims  are  supreme. 
He  has  bought  you  with  his  own  blood  ; he  has  recovered  you 
from  death  by  the  sovereign  efficacy  of  his  grace  ; he  is  giving 
you  a name  and  place  in  his  kingdom,  not  to  be  exchanged  for 
earthly  titles  or  thrones ; he  assigns  to  you  a course  by  which 
others  who  have  gone  before  you  have  attained  to  the  highest 
seats  of  immortality,  to  the  brightest  crowns  of  glory. 

In  his  claims  upon  you,  in  your  obligations  to  him,  there  is  a 
tenderness  and  force,  a sacrcdness  and  majesty,  which  can  never 
cease  to  act  upon  all  the  sensibilities  and  faculties  of  your  souls 
with  irresistible  intensity.  Under  this  action  you  will  lie  cruci- 
fied unto  the  world,  and  the  world  will  be  crucified  unto  you  ; all 
the  ties  that  would  hold  you  back  from  going  where  lie  would 
have  you  go,  from  doing  what  lie  would  have  you  do,  or  from 
suffering  what  he  would  have  you  suffer,  will  be  dissolved  ; eve- 
ry terrific,  every  enchanting  exhibition,  which  would  impel  or 
allure  you  to  a dereliction  of  his  service,  or  delinquency  in  it, 
will  be  abolished. 

To  you  Christ  will  be  all  in  all.  Ilis  glory  will  be  your  ob- 
ject ; his  word  your  guide ; his  sufficiency  your  strength ; his 
approbation  your  felicity.  It  is  this  which  constitutes  the  Chris- 
tian ; more  especially  the  Christian  minister,  most  of  all  the  Chris- 
tian missionary.  “ I count  all  things  but  loss,”  says  a preemi- 
nent Exemplar  of  Christians,  of  ministers,  and  of  missionaries, 
“ I count  all  things  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord : for  whom  I have  suffered  the  loss  of 
all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that  I may  win  Chri«t.” 


33 


“What  mean  ye  to  weep,  and  to  break  mine  heart?  for  I am 
ready  not  to  be  bound  only,  but  also  to  die — for  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.”  “ None  of  these  things  move  me,  neither  count  1 
my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that  1 might  finish  my  course  with 
joy,  and  the  ministry  which  I have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus* 
to  testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.” 

What  br.t  this  same  spirit  of  devotion  to  Christ  has  induced 
you,  Beloved  Brethren,  to  present  yourselves  here,  a tvonder  to 
many — a spectacle  to  God,  to  angels,  and  to  men  ? Only  when  this 
spirit  shall  languish,  will  you  ever  regret  any  sacrifices  you  have, 
made,  any  sufferings  you  have  endured,  any  difficulties  you  have 
encountered  for  him  ; or  shrink  from  any  yet  to  be  made,  endured, 
or  encountered.  Only  then  will  you  ever  grow  weary  of  his 
service,  or  wish  for  any  thing  else,  but  to  labour  and  die  in  the 
field  to  which  he  has  appointed  you.  Evermore  then  give  all 
diligence,  that  by  holy  converse  and  communion  with  him  in 
humble  prayer,  in  sacred  reading  and  meditation,  in  devout  at- 
tendance on  the  institutions  of  grace,  and  by  all  the  means  which 
in  the  plenitude  of  his  goodness  he  has  provided  for  the  purpose, 
you  nourish  and  strengthen  this  spirit,  and  keep  it  constantly 
glowing  with  increasing  fervency  and  brightness. 

The  high  commission  to  the  ministers  of  Christ  is — Go  ye 

INTO  ALL  THE  WORLD,  AND  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL  TO  EVERY 

creature.  Under  this  general  commission,  you,  Dear  Breth- 
ren, are  to  act.  The  work  assigned  to  you  is  to  publish  the 
everlasting  gospel.  In  this  w'ork  your  whole  hearts  are  to  be 
engaged,  and  all  your  abilities  employed. 

That  you  may  prosecute  the  work  with  every  advantage, 
your  attentions  and  labours  will  necessarily  be  diversified. 
Whatever  will  contribute  to  invigorate  your  faculties,  to  enrich 
your  minds,  to  augment  your  resources,  to  enlarge  your  spheres 
of  action  and  of  influence,  to  facilitate  your  access  to  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  men  in  various  conditions,  to  conciliate  favour  and 
bring  help  to  the  great  cause ; in  a word,  to  give  wisdom  and 
efficiency  to  your  purposes,  and  substantial  and  extended  utility 
to  your  operations  ; will  have  a claim  to  be  comprehended  in 
your  plans  of  study  and  of  effort. 

But  beware.  Beloved  Brethren,  that  amid  the  diversified  ob’ 

.5 


34 


jects  which  solicit,  and  which  claim  your  attention,  you  never 
for  a moment  lose  sight  of  the  one  grand  object,  to  which  all 
your  studies  and  all  your  efforts  are  to  be  steadily  and  sacredly 
directed.  Science,  learning,  taste — dignified,  enchanting  names  ! 
Do  what  you  can  to  enlist  them  in  the  service,  and  bring  them 
to  do  homage  at  the  cross  of  your  Lord  ; but  beware,  lest  at  any 
time  they  seduce  you  from  your  fidelity  to  that  service,  or  from 
your  attachment  to  that  cross.  Beware  most  especially,  lest  by 
any  means,  you  be  “ spoiled  through  philosophy  and  vain  deceit, 
after  the  tradition  of  men,  after  the  rudiments  of  the  world,  and 
not  after  Christ.”  Fix  the  resolution  immoveably  in  your  minds, 
“ to  know  nothing,”  wherever  you  go,  “ but  Jesus  Christ,  and 
him  crucified  ;” — nothing,  not  included  in  this  doctrine,  or  le- 
gitimately associated  with  it ; nothing  that  will  not  yield  to  its 
sacredness  and  supremacy  ; nothing  that  will  not  contribute  to 
its  elucidation  and  advancement. 

This  is  the  doctrine  which  you  have  in  solemn  charge  to 
preach  and  to  teach  : — a doctrine  not  hidden,  not  obscure.  It 
is  the  Sun  of  the  Christian  firmament.  It  illumines  all  the  regions 
of  truth,  and  in  it  all  the  lights  of  revelation  centre.  “ If  it  be 
hid,  it  is  hid  to  them  that  are  lost ; in  whom  the  god  hath  blinded 
the  minds  of  them  that  believe  not,  lest  the  light  of  the  glorious 
gospel  of  Christ,  who  is  the  image  of  God,  should  shine  unto  them.” 

Carry  with  you  the  Bible,  in  your  hearts  and  in  your  hands, 
and  you  will  carry  with  you  the  gospel ; study  the  Bible,  and 
you  will  study  the  gospel ; publish  the  Bible,  and  you  will  pub- 
lish the  gospel ; preach  and  teach  the  Bible,  and  you  will  preach 
and  teach  the  gospel.  “ All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction, 
for  instruction  in  righteousness  : that  the  man  of  God,  the  min- 
ister of  Christ — the  missionary  of  the  cross  may  be  perfect,  thor- 
oughly furnished  unto  all  good  works.”  The  scriptures  entire 
arc  the  instructions  of  your  embassage.  Them  you  will  unceas- 
ingly study,  with  fervent  diligence  and  prayer;  in  them  you  will 
devoutly  meditate  day  and  night ; and  to  make  them  known,  in 
all  the  plenitude  of  their  truth  and  grace,  by  all  the  means,  and 
to  all  the  extent  in  your  power,  will  be  your  study  and  zealous 
aim  and  endeavour,  until  your  course  be  finished,  and  your 
prize  won. 


It  is  into  the  regions  and  shadow  of  death,  Beloved  Brethren- 
that  you  are  to  carry  this  celestial  light.  You  are  to  go  to  the 
Gentiles. 

It  is  a delirious  dream  of  infidelity,  that  the  various  systems 
of  paganism  are  only  so  many  diversified  forms  of  the  true  reli- 
gion ; that  all  nations  acknowledge  and  worship  the  true  God, 
only  under  different  names,  and  with  different  riles.  You  will 
find  the  dream  as  false  as  it  is  delirious.  You  will  find  the  de- 
clarations of  scripture  true,  that  “ the  things  which  the  Gentiles 
sacrifice,  they  sacrifice  to  devils,  and  not  to  God  that  “ they 
know  not  Jehovah  that  in  most  affecting  reality,  they  have  no 
hope,  and  are  without  God — are  atheists,  in  the  world.”  You 
will  find,  that  with  all  their  imposing  descriptions  of  a Supreme 
Being,  or  Oniversal  Cause — they  have  no  conceptions  of  Him 
who  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  Name  is  Holy  : — of  his  perfec- 
tions, his  character,  his  law,  or  his  government ; of  his  sovereign 
claims  upon  men,  of  the  immeasurable  difference  which  he  puls 
between  moral  right  and  wrong,  or  of  the  everlasting  retributions 
which  he  has  prepared  for  the  righteous  and  the  wicked.  Least 
of  all  have  they  any  idea  of  his  redeeming  love,  of  the  propitia- 
tion which  he  hath  set  forth  for  the  sins  of  the  world — of  the  way 
which  he  has  opened  for  the  recovery  of  lost  mankind,  by  the 
mediatorial  sufferings  and  reign  of  his  Son. 

In  respect  also  to  moral  principles,  and  habits,  and  manners, 
you  will  find  the  case  in  Pagan  lands  most  strikingly  unlike  what 
you  have  witnessed  in  this  land,  on  which  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness has  so  long  been  pouring  his  healing  beams.  The  systems 
of  Paganism,  so  far  from  exerting  any  purifying  or  elevating  effi- 
ciency, only  serve  to  sink  their  miserable  votaries  in  still  deeper 
corruption  and  debasement.  Nor  is  this  the  worst  of  the  case  : 
Those  pernicious  systems  go  the  shocking  length  to  sanctify  the 
most  revolting  corruptions,  and  to  dignify  the  most  deplorable 
debasements  ; and  thus  to  erect  barriers,  hardly  to  be  surmount- 
ed, against  every  attempt  to  recover  the  lost  mind. 

Such  is  the  empire  which  the  god  of  this  world  has  established; 
and  which  the  missionary  of  the  cross  is  sent  forth  to  assail. 

But,  Dear  Brethren,  be  not  dismayed.  You  have  the  word 
of  the  everlasting  God,  that  that  empire  shall  be  demolished. 


36 


He  whose  ministers  you  are,  and  in  whose  name  you  are  to  go 
forth  is  to  have  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance — all  lands  for 
his  possession.  The  darkness  which  covers  the  people,  though 
of  palpable  density,  will  be  dissipated  ; the  vail  that  is  cast  over 
them,  though  seemingly  impenetrable,  will  be  destroyed.  The 
weapons,  with  which  you  are  to  be  armed,  are  mighty  through 
God,  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds.  The  words  in  which 
you  are  to  prophesy  in  those  dismal  regions  of  death,  are  spirit 
and  life  ; the  hour  is  coming  and  now  is  when  the  dead  shall 
hear  them,  and  live.  And  such  is  the  cleansing  efficacy  of  that 
blood  which  you  are  to  exhibit,  that  those  who  have  been  im- 
mersed in  the  foulest  pollutions,  may  wash  their  robes  and  make 
them  white,  and  stand  with  acceptance  and  favour  in  the  pres- 
ence of  infinite  Purity. 

All  this  has  been  demonstrated  in  the  face  of  the  universe. 
It  was  demonstrated  in  the  day  of  the  first  publication  of  the  gos- 
pel to  the  nations  ; it  has  been  demonstrated  at  subsequent  pe- 
riods ; and  even  in  our  day,  in  Asia,  in  Africa,  in  America,  in 
the  Islands  of  the  sea. 

But,  my  Brethren,  if  you  would  see  a similar  demonstration, 
by  your  own  instrumentality,  you  must  go  forth,  and  evermore 
act,  in  the  spirit  of  the  holy  Apostles  of  Jesus.  In  the  Divine 
Records  of  their  missions,  which  you  cannot  too  attentively 
study,  their  spirit  is  most  clearly  and  strongly  marked.  It  was 
a spirit  of  faith,  of  love,  of  self-devotement,  of  wisdom  and  a 
sound  mind,  of  decision  and  energy,  of  patience  and  perse- 
verance. 

It  was  by  faith  that  the  first  Christian  Missionaries  penetrated 
the  realms  of  Pagan  darkness  in  all  directions  ; surmounted 
every  barrier ; drove  the  Prince  of  this  world  from  his  strongest 
fortresses  •,  planted  the  standard  of  the  cross  upon  his  proudest 
ramparts  ; silenced  his  oracles,  cast  down  his  idols,  and  shut  up 
his  temples ; took  the  prey  from  the  mighty,  and  delivered  the 
lawful  captive ; called  the  dead  to  life  ; turned  the  habitations 
of  cruelty  into  dwelling  places  of  righteousness,  and  brought  na- 
tions and  kingdoms  under  the  sceptre  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

The  same  faith,  you  must  possess ; the  faith  which  takes 
hold  of  the  strength  of  Emmanuel,  and  moves  heaven  and  earth 
for  His  cause.  Without  it  you  can  do  nothing  ; with  it  you  can 


37 


do  all  thiogs.  Without  it  you  will  be  as  weak  as  the  bruised 
reed;  with  it  you  will  be  as  strong  as  the  all-sufficiency  of  Jeho- 
rah  can  make  you.  Let  it  be  your  daily,  your  incessant  prayer, 
Lord  increase  our  faith. 

The  spirit  of  missions  is  the  spirit  of  love.  Love  to  God — 
to  Christ — pure  and  supreme  is  included  in  that  holy  and  entire 
devotion,  which  has  already  been  urged  as  the  first  indispensable 
requisite.  But  God  has  so  loved  this  wretched  world , as  to  give 
for  it  his  only  begotten  Son.  Christ  has  so  loved  it,  as  to  come 
down  from  heaven,  and  labour  and  suffer  for  it  even  unto  death. 
The  same  spirit  of  love,  Dear  Brethren,  must  dwell  in  you  : — 
love  towards  mankind — towards  the  lost : love,  such  in  its  nature 
and  intensity,  as  no  loathsomeness  of  corruption,  no  perversity 
of  error,  no  lisllessness  of  stupidity,  no  contemptuousness  of 
pride,  no  virulence  of  enmity,  can  quench  or  turn  from  its  pur- 
pose. For  an  unceasing  exercise  of  it,  in  all  its  compassion  and 
tenderness,  and  gentleness  and  meekness,  and  readiness  to  make 
every  sacrifice  and  every  effort  for  those  whom  it  seeks  to  recover 
to  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  to  the  way  of  life  and  of  glory, 
you  will  find,  in  the  different  scenes  of  your  labours,  abundant 
occasion.  Arm  yourselves,  therefore,  with  this  mind  ; and  at  no 
time  remit  the  most  assiduous  care,  never  to  be  without  it. 

“ Love  seeketh  not  her  own  it  is  the  very  spirit  of  self- 
denial — of  self-devotedness  : and  the  missionary  must  never,  for 
a moment,  lose  sight  of  the  cross  of  his  Master  and  Lord  : never 
for  a moment  count  even  his  life  dear  unto  himself,  so  that  he 
may  serve  the  honour  of  Christ,  the  advancement  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  salvation  of  men. 

Essential  also  to  the  missionary  character  is  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  of  a sound  mind.  Without  this  the  best  intentions 
will  be  frustrated,  and  the  purest  and  most  ardent  zeal  will  spend 
itself  in  vain,  and  worse  than  in  vain. 

A stated  Pastor,  in  his  native  Christian  land,  where  he  is  re- 
ceived and  regarded  by  his  people  as  a friend  and  a father,  has 
great  need  of  wisdom,  amid  the  various  conditions,  capacities, 
opinions,  tempers,  caprices  and  interests  of  an  ordinary  parish. 
How  much  more  the  missionary  in  a foreign  heathen  land,  where 
he  is  not  only  a stranger,  unacquainted  with  the  prevailing  habits 
and  manners  and  feelings ; but  is  regarded  as  an  invader,  whose 


38 


design  is  to  overturn  long  established  systems,  and  to  introduce 
a new  religion,  adverse  to  all  which  to  the  Pagan  mind  is  most 
dear  and  sacred : and  where  he  must  lay  his  account  with  all 
that  is  deceitful  and  supercilious  in  philosophy,  falsely  so  called, 
with  all  that  is  jealous  and  malignant  in  superstition,  with  all 
that  is  fantastic  and  absurd  in  delusion ; with  all  that  is  indocile 
and  obstinate  in  ignorance. 

“ As  I passed  by  and  beheld  your  devotions,”  says  Paul  to 
the  philosophers  on  Mars  Hill,  “ I found  an  altar  with  this  in- 
scription, To  the  unknown  God.  Whom  therefore  ye  igno- 
rantly worship,  Him  declare  I unto  you.”  To  the  Corinthians 
he  says,  “ When  I came  unto  you,  I came  not  with  excellency 
of  speech,  or  of  wisdom,  declaring  unto  you  the  testimony  of 
God.”  Again,  “ I have  fed  you  with  milk,  and  not  with  meat, 
for  hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it,  neither  yet  are  ye  able.” 
Again,  “ I am  made  all  things  to  all  men,  that  1 might  by  all 
means,  save  some.”  And  to  the  Thessalonians  he  says,  “We 
were  gentle  among  you,  even  as  a nurse  cherisheth  her  chil- 
dren.” If  then  you  act  upon  the  maxims  and  follow  the  exam- 
ples of  this  great  model  of  missionary  wisdom,  you  will  every 
where,  and  on  all  occasions  be  courteous  and  conciliatory  in 
your  manner ; you  will  ingenuously  avail  yourselves  of  every 
admission  in  favour  of  truth,  for  the  purpose  of  disarming  jeal- 
ousy and  softening  prejudice ; you  will  declare  the  testimony 
of  God  with  all  simplicity,  without  the  artifices  or  the  parade  of 
reasoning  or  of  eloquence  ; considering  the  unacquaintance  of  the 
poor  heathen  with  even  the  first  principles  of  the  doctrine  of 
Christ,  you  will  begin  with  them  in  your  instructions  as  a judi- 
cious teacher  would  begin  with  children  ; and  that  you  may  have 
the  easier  access  to  the  minds  and  hearts  of  different  classes  and 
descriptions  of  people,  you  will  be  accommodating  to  their  dif- 
ferent humours  and  manners,  and  treat  them  all  with  winning 
kindness  and  affectionate  gentleness. 

In  a word,  “the  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  is  first  pure, 
then  peaceable,  gentle,  easy  to  be  intreated,  full  of  mercy  and 
good  fruits,  without  partiality  and  without  hypocrisy.”  This 
wisdom,  Beloved  Brethren,  you  must  “ ask  of  God,  who  giveth 
liberally  and  upbraideth  not.” 

But  this  heavenly  wisdom,  though  conciliatory,  is  not  tern- 


I 


39 

porising  ; though  prudent,  is  not  timid  ; though  cautious,  is  not 
hesitating  ; though  gentle  and  tender,  is  not  retracting  or  nerve- 
less. It  knows  no  truce  with  wickedness;  no  collusion  with  er- 
ror; no  alliance  with  artifice  ; no  fellowship  with  Belial.  It  has 
its  principles,  its  plan,  its  object.  Its  steadfastness  is  immovea- 
ble ; its  courage  is  dauntless  ; its  efficiency  is  irresistible ; its 
patience  and  perseverance  are  invincible.  Is  this  saying  too 
much?  It  is  saying  no  more  than  has  been  demonstrated  before 
the  world.  It  was  demonstrated  most  decisively  in  the  first  age 
of  missions;  and  it  must,  it  will  be  demonstrated,  not  less  deci- 
sively, in  this  new  age. 

Let  the  world  boast  of  its  heroes  and  men  of  renown,  its 
trophies  and  monuments : The  City  of  our  God  “ is  more  glori- 
ous and  excellent,  than  the  mountains  of  prey  ;”  than  the  proud- 
est empires  of  the  earth,  founded  by  the  courage,  and  dazzling 
with  the  spoils  of  nations.  In  self-devotement  and  patient  suf- 
fering, in  constancy  and  courage,  in  energy  and  perseverance, 
in  labours  and  achievements,  in  trophies  and  monuments,  her 
sons  have  already  eclipsed  whatever  the  world  can  boast.  In 
the  face  of  all  the  terrors  which  earth  and  hell  could  present, 
they  have  stemmed  and  driven  back  the  swelling  tides  of  cor- 
ruption; saved  the  world,  instrumentally,  from  universal  and 
total  darkness  ; diffused  the  blessings  of  Heaven’s  best  Gift  to 
man  among  the  nations  ; and  recovered  millions  of  their  lost 
fellow  beings  to  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  to  the  elevations  of 
immortality. 

Greater  things  are  yet  to  be  done.  The  gods  that  have  not 
made  the  heavens  and  the  earth  are  to  be  utterly  destroyed  from 
the  earth,  and  from  under  these  heavens.  Every  false  religion, 
every  plant  which  Jehovah  hath  not  planted,  is  to  be  plucked  up 
by  the  roots.  All  nations  are  to  be  turned  from  their  vanities 
unto  the  living  God.  The  Wise  and  the  Disputers  of  this  world 
are  to  be  convinced  that  their  wisdom  is  foolishness,  and  their 
reasonings  vain.  Heroes  and  Potentates  are  to  be  constrained 
to  lay  down  their  arms  and  their  regalia  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross  ; 
the  spirit  of  war  is  every  where  to  be  subdued,  and  its  pride  to 
be  laid  in  the  dust;  throughout  the  earth  every  knee  is  to  be 
made  to  bow  to  the  anointed  King  of  Zion,  and  every  tongue 
'o  confess  Him  to  be  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father;  and 


40 


the  kingdom  and  the  greatness  of  the  kingdom,  and  the  domin- 
ion under  the  whole  heaven,  are  to  be  given  to  the  people  of 
the  Most  High  God. 

All  this  is  sure  as  the  word  of  everlasting  truth ; and  all  to 
be  achieved  by  the  spirit  of  missions.  You,.  Dear  Brethren, 
are  to  take  part  in  this  holy  and  majestic  enterprise  ; to  share 
its  toils,  its  sufferings,  and  its  glories.  Be  it  then  you  are  to 
drink  deep  into  its  spirit,  and  to  sustain  its  character  in  all  its 
sacredness,  and  in  all  its  elevation. 

To  you  it  belongs  to  shew  to  the  world,  Christian  and  Pa- 
gan, that  the  missionary  character  is  of  transcendent  excellence. 
Your  course,  in  the  regions  of  Gentile  darkness,  must  be  like  the 
shining  light,  shining  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.  You 
must  make  the  heathen  ashamed  of  their  gods  ; Infidels,  of  their 
philosophy  ! Jews,  of  their  fondly  cherished  expectation  ; Chris- 
tians, of  their  names  and  professions  ; and  all  men  of  themselves. 
You  must  wake  up  the  world  to  faith,  to  action,  to  virtue,  and 
to  glory.  All  that  you  think,  say,  do,  must  be  for  God,  and  for 
eternity. 

Go  then,  Dearly  Beloved  Brethren,  go,  teach  the  nations ; 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  which 
the  Lord  Jesus  hath  commanded. 

Go,  and  make  known  to  the  poor  besotted  Hindoos  the  God 
who  made  the  earth  and  the  heavens,  and  the  incarnation  for 
the  life  of  the  world.  Go,  and  teach  the  untutored  Tenants  of 
the  widely  extended  wilderness  the  blessings  of  Christian  cul- 
ture, and  the  hopes  of  immortality.  Go,  and  from  the  heights 
of  Calvary  and  of  Zion  proclaim  to  the  long  lost  tribes  of  Is- 
rael, to  the  followers  of  the  Pseudo-prophet,  and  to  the  bewil- 
dered people  of  different  lands,  longues,  and  religions,  the  Foun~ 
lain  there  opened,  for  the  cleansing  of  all  nations — the  banner 
there  displayed,  for  the  gathering  of  all  people.  Go,  tread  in 
the  steps  of  the  primitive  Missionaries  and  Martyrs  of  the  cross  ; 
surpass  their  examples,  and  aspire  to  brighter  glories.  Go, 
and  the  Lord  God  of  the  holy  Apostles  and  Prophets  go  with 
you  ; be  evermore  your  sun  and  shield  ; and  give  you  many 
hundreds  and  thousands,  for  your  joy  and  crown,  in  the  day  of 
his  appearing  and  kingdom.  Amen. 


KIGHT  HAND  OF  FELLOWSHIP. 


BY  REV.  J.  HUNTINGTON. 

Christianity,  in  distinction  from  all  other  religions,  is  suited 
lor  universal  dilTusion.  It  is  founded  on  principles,  which  em- 
brace the  whole  family  of  man.  It  is  addressed  to  that  rational 
nature,  which  is  common  to  our  species.  Its  institutions  are  so 
few,  and  so  simple,  that  the  weakest  can  understand,  and  the 
poorest  observe  them.  And  its  grand  essential  requirements 
may  be  obeyed  with  equal  ease,  in  every  period  of  the  world ; 
in  every  state  of  society ; by  every  creature  under  heaven. 

As  Christianity  is  adapted  to  all;  so,  it  is  designed  for  all. 
Hitherto,  indeed,  it  has  been  very  partially  known  ; and  still 
more  partially  embraced.  Darkness  lifts  brooded  over  the  na- 
tions. The  night  has  been  long,  and  dreary.  But  it  is  passing 
away.  The  Sun  of  Righteousness  has  emerged  ; has  beamed 
upon  the  hills  of  the  East ; and  will  presently  pour  from  his  ex- 
panded wings,  light,  purity,  health,  and  joy,  over  all  the  earth. 
For  thus  runs  the  command,  and  promise  of  the  unchanging  God ; 
“ Arise,  shine,  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is 
risen  upon  thee.  For  behold,  the  darkness  shall  cover  the  earth, 
and  gross  darkness  the  people  : but  the  Lord  shall  arise  upon 
thee,  and  his  glory  shall  be  seen  upon  thee.  And  the  Gentiles 
shall  come  to  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising.” 
The  Christian  world,  roused  from  the  torpor  of  ages,  are  begin- 
ning to  believe  this  prediction  ; and  to  act  with  a view  to  its  ac- 
complishment. The  commands  so  often  heard,  and  as  often  un- 
heeded,— Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  his  paths 
straight — “ Go  through,  go  through  the  gates  ; prepare  ye  the 
w’ay  of  the  people  ; cast  up,  cast  up  the  highway  ; gather  out 
the  stones ; lift  up  a standard  for  the  people  begin  to  be  re- 
garded. And  in  answer  to  the  inquiry  of  the  American  Church- 
es, “ whom  shall  we  send,  and  who  will  go  for  us  ?”  you,  Dear 
6 


42 


Brethren,  moved  as  we  trust  by  an  impulse  from  above,  have 
said  ; “ Here  are  we,  send  ws.”  Your  offer  has  been  accepted  ; 
your  qualifications  have  been  tried  ; your  design  has  been  ap- 
proved. And  by  prayer  and  the  imposition  of  hands,  you  have 
now,  in  the  presence  of  this  numerous  assembly,  of  attendant 
Angels,  and  of  God  himself,  been  consecrated  to  the  work  to 
which  you  have  devoted  your  lives. 

Here  we  might  stop  ; — and  nothing  essential  to  the  investi- 
ture of  your  office,  as  Embassadors  of  Christ,  and  Heralds  of  sal- 
vation to  mankind,  would  be  left  undone.  But  the  custom  of  our 
Churches,  and  the  feelings  of  our  hearts  forbid  us  to  retire,  with- 
out tendering  for  your  acceptance,  the  Hand  of  our  Christian  af- 
fection, and  Ministerial  Fellowship. 

Nor  let  this  rite  be  deemed  unmeaning,  or  superfluous,  on  an 
occasion  like  the  present.  What  though  you  go  to  a distant  and 
opposite  region  of  the  globe,  where  the  customary  offices  of  broth* 
erly  kindness  and  love,  of  which  it  is  the  instituted  pledge,  cannot 
be  performed  by  us  ?”  Did  not  Paul  and  Barnabas  go  to  the 
heathen ; and  James,  Cephas,  and  John  remain  with  their 
Churches  at  home  ? What  though  we  cannot  invite  you  to  our 
pulpits  ; counsel  you  in  your  difficulties  ; and  divide  with  you, 
the  weight  of  care,  and  anxiety,  and  sorrow,  under  which  you 
may  be  pressed  ? Much,  no  less  conducive  to  the  comfort  of  your 
hearts,  and  to  the  ease  and  success  of  your  labors,  it  may  be  in 
our  power  to  render.  And  that  much,  by  These  Right  Hands. 
we  solemnly  engage  to  do.  Believing,  confidently  believing, 
that  you  have  been  induced  to  “ take  part  with  us  in  this  minis- 
try,” by  the  purest  motives  ; that  the  love  of  Christ  constrai}ieth 
you ; and  that  you  are  “ willing  not  only  to  be  bound,  but  to  die 
at  J erusalem,'1'1  and  Ceylon,  “ for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,” 
we  welcome  you  to  our  fraternity ; a fraternity,  the  members  of 
which,  though  oceans  roll  and  continents  stretch  between  them, 
are  all  One  in  Christ. 

We  will  remember  you  in  our  prayers  before  the  throne  ol 
Him,  whose  “ way  is  in  the  sea”  on  whose  mighty  waters  you 
are  shortly  to  embark ; who  measures  with  his  eye,  and  holds  in 
his  hand,  the  countless  population  of  the  East ; and  we  will  plead 
in  your  behalf,  the  fulfilment  of  those  precious  promises,  in  which 


43 


He  hath  caused  Israel  to  hope.  When  standing  in  the  great 
congregation ; when  convened  in  the  social  circle ; when  kneel- 
ing at  the  family  altar  ; when  in  converse  with  Him  who  seeth  in 
secret;  in  the  wakeful  moments  of  the  night,  when  deep  sleep 
falleth  upon  men,  our  desires  commingled  with  yours  shall  go 
up  as  incense. 

We  will  vindicate  your  characters  and  motives  against  the 
imputations  of  those,  who,  through  an  unpardonable  ignorance 
of  the  difficulties  which  you  have  to  encounter,  or  the  encour- 
agements with  which  you  may  meet  them,  would  ascribe  your 
undertaking  to  ambition  on  the  one  hand  ; or  folly  and  presump- 
tion on  the  other;  who,  in  justification  of  their  own  indifference, 
worldliness,  infidelity,  and  sloth,  may  scornfully  say ; “ I know 
your  pride,  and  the  haughtiness  of  your  heart.” 

But  this  is  not  all.  Aware  that  in  Asia,  no  less  than  in  Amer- 
ica, they  who  preach  the  gospel  must  live  by  the  gQspel,  we  will 
impart  to  you  as  we  arc  able,  of  our  substance : and  we  will  stir 
up  others,  on  whom  the  gifts  of  Providence  are  more  copiously 
bestowed,  to  contribute  for  your  support ; as  also  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  plans  which  your  benevolence  may  desire, 
“ for  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel”  abroad.  “ For  we  would 
not,  Brethren,  that  other  men  be  eased,  and  you  burdened.  But 
that  their  abundance  may  be  a supply  for  your  want,  that  there 
may  be  equality.” 

W e will  do  more.  When  moved  with  cojnpassion  for  the  mul- 
titude who  are  wandering  in  the  East,  with  no  spiritual  shepherd 
to  guide  and  feed  them,  and  desiring  none  ; and  when  oppressed 
with  the  disproportion  between  the  extent  of  the  harvest,  and  the 
number  and  strength  of  the  laborers,  you  cry,  “ Come  over  into 
Macedonia  and  help  us ;”  the  call,  wafted  by  the  breezes  of 
Heaven  to  our  shores,  shall  not  return  unto  you  void ; we  will 
send  the  flower  of  our  Churches  to  your  aid  ; not  admitting  for 
a moment  the  doubt,  that  He  who  has  demanded  the  sacrifice, 
will  repay,  and  more  than  repay  it.  What  more  can  we  say  ? 
What  more  can  this  Token  express  ? 

Go,  then,  Dear  Brethren,  on  your  glorious  enterprise.  Go,  fol- 
low in  the  track  of  Prophets,  Apostles,  and  martyrs,  “ of  whom 
the  world  was  not  worthy.”  Go, 


44 


“ Where  Abram  wandered — David  swept  Lis  lyre, 

And  Jeremiah  wept,  and  Daniel  prayed ; 

W'here  lived,  and  preached,  and  died,  and  rose  again, 

The  world’s  sole  Hope  ; — and  where  the  Book  of  books 
Was  handed  down  from  heaven;” 

If  attracted  by  a gathering  crowd  on  some  Mars- hill,  you  ap- 
proach, and  find  an  altar  To  the  Unknown  God,  display  a banner 
in  the  cause  of  truth  ; and  declare  to  the  stupid,  deluded  multitude, 
the  existence,  prerogatives,  and  claims  of  Him,  whom  they  igno- 
rantly worship.  If  permitted  to  tread  the  streets,  and  weep  over 
the  ruins  of  that  memorable  City,  from  which  the  voice  of  blood, 
infinitely  more  precious  “ than  the  blood  of  Abel,”  has  not  ceased 
to  cry  for  vengeance, — imprecated  vengeance  ; lift  up  the  eye  of 
faith  and  hope  to  Him,  who  hath  said  to  Jerusalem,  “ Thou 
shalt  be  built ; and  to  the  temple,  Thy  foundation  shall  be 
laid.”  And  may  the  voice  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts  answer  you, 
and  say,  “ I was  jealous  for  Zion  with  great  jealousy ; and  I 
was  jealous  for  her  with  great  fury.  But  I am  returned  unto  Zi- 
on, and  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  Jerusalem  ; and  Jerusalem  shall 
be  called  a City  of  Truth  ; and  the  mountain  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  holy  mountain.” 

Whither,  therefore,  you  are  destined  to  enter  into  the  labors 
of  those  who  have  gone  to  the  Gentiles  ; to  add  the  wisdom  of 
your  counsels,  and  the  energy  of  your  efforts  to  theirs,  in  the 
mighty  work  which  they  have  undertaken  through  Christ 
strengthening  them  to  achieve ; or  whether,  descrying  through 
the  glass  of  prophecy,  the  rising  walls,  and  glittering  towers  of 
Salem;  you  are  fired  with  an  holy  emulation  to  fix  the  standard 
of  the  Cross,  where  the  crescent  of  Mohammed  has  so  long  waved 
in  triumph,  we  bid  you  God  speed.  “ The  brethren  which  are 
with  us  greet  you.  All  the  Churches  salute  you.  The  grace  o' 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you.  Amen.” 


